Everyone has a unique story that shapes their path in life. In the case of Alicia Andrade, SLPD, CCC-SLP, pursuing education and the desire to make a positive impact was the driving force behind her journey. From a small town in Colombia to the bustling city of New York, Alicia’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. She has worked hard to pursue her dreams, overcame obstacles, and now makes a difference as a Speech-language Pathologist (SLP) for Hispanic bilingual children in poverty.
A Foundation of Education and Inspiration
The value of education was instilled in Alicia by her father, who found a high school in their small town. Inspired by her father’s example, she excelled academically and pursued a bachelor’s degree in speech-language and audiology in Colombia, South America. However, the lack of available opportunities for a master’s degree in the field at that time meant Alicia had to put her further education on hold.
A Journey to the USA and Personal Tragedy
Fate had other plans for Alicia when an opportunity to work as a Special Education teacher in New York City’s Early Intervention Program presented itself. This chance not only took her one step closer to her dream of becoming a doctor from the USA but also aligned with her late husband’s aspirations of specializing in pediatric orthodontics. Tragically, Alicia’s husband passed away just months before their move, leaving her to navigate a new life in a foreign country alone with her three children.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Alicia was determined and recognized the need for further education to provide better therapies and advance her career as an SLP. Juggling responsibilities as a parent and a professional, Alicia returned to university, earning a Master’s in Communicative Disorders online and, later, a doctorate in SLP from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU). Sacrificing sleep and personal time, she showed her children the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
RMU played a vital role in helping Alicia achieve her goals. Through RMU’s online doctoral program in SLP, she was able to pursue her academic interests and engage in research that focused on the bilingual Hispanic population. The supportive faculty provided guidance and feedback, refining research questions, methodology, and analysis. The program’s flexibility allowed Alicia to balance her family and work commitments while attending school.
A Career with Purpose
Armed with her doctorate, Alicia is now actively making a difference in the lives of bilingual children with language delays and trauma. She aspires to establish a nonprofit organization that will support these children, enabling them to improve their vocabulary and language skills. Through her research and expertise, Alicia aims to educate speech-language professionals about the effects of trauma and abuse on development, ultimately optimizing outcomes for their clients.
Looking forward, this passionate SLP intends to continue advocating for the bilingual population, enhancing her cultural identity, and training future professionals who are equipped to address the unique needs of bilingual children. Alicia also emphasizes the importance of leadership skills and management in the SLP profession, ensuring that she can effectively guide and support others in achieving their goals.
